SK1017. Apparatus for Growing Cells Under Variable Hydrostatic Pressures

Summary of Invention

The invention provides an apparatus and a method for growing cells in a 2D cell cassette having a matrix for cell growth under varying pressures. This device could be used as an effective screening tool to perform simultaneous testing of various chemotherapeutic agents in multiple culture wells. It is also useful for growing tumor cells that typically grow under relatively high interstitial pressure. Traditional drug testing using standard cluster plates can not duplicate this important physiological variable.

Advantage

• Allows growth of tumor cells under different hydrostatic pressures.
• Useful screening tool to simultaneously test multiple chemotherapeutic agents in cells under varying pressures.
• The device incorporates the functionality of the standard 96 well cluster plate.

Area of Application

Apparatus, process/method.

Stage of Development

• In vitro cell study completed.
• Efforts are underway to fabricate units and test functionality.

Lead Inventor

Dr. Gene DiResta

Patent Information

US patent and published patent application

• 7,422,893
• US 2005-0101008

References

• Nathan, SS et al. J Orthop Res. 12 (2008)
• Di Resta, GR et al. Ann Biomed Eng. 33(9):1270-80(2005)
• Nathan, SS et al. Clin Cancer Res. 11(6):2389-97 (2005).

Contact Information

Jeff Horenstein, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181, Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: horenstj@mskcc.org